Packaging For A Heart Rate Watch

ABSTRACT

A clamshell package for a heart rate monitoring watch having sensors positioned on the watch is disclosed herein. The clamshell package preferably includes a back insert and a front insert. The front insert preferably has a plurality of access ports for accessing the sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch while it is in the clamshell package. In this manner, the heart rate monitoring watch is protected but accessible to potential purchasers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to packaging for heart rate monitors. More specifically, the present invention relates to packaging for heart rate watches.

2. Description of the Related Art

Packaging of retail products serves the two primary functions of preserving the contents while enticing the consumer to purchase the product. In order to accomplish these two primary functions, many manufacturers of retail goods have utilized the clamshell package which encases the sale article within two plastic walls similar to a clamshell.

One such clamshell package is disclosed in Mylander et al., U.S. Pat. No. D359447 for a Clam Shell Package.

Another such clamshell package is disclosed in Mylander et al., U.S. Pat. No. D338619 for a Clam Shell Package.

Yet another such clamshell package is disclosed in Zuhlke et al., U.S. Pat. No. D399737 for a Clam-Shell Container.

Yet another such clamshell package is disclosed in LaJoie, U.S. Pat. No. D329600 for a Clam Shell Package.

Yet another such clamshell package is disclosed in Wimbish et al., U.S. Pat. No. D327844 for a Clam Shell Package.

Yet another such clamshell package is disclosed in LaJoie, U.S. Pat. No. D305408 for a Clam Shell Package.

Another package reference that uses similar principles to a clamshell package is disclosed in Skolnik, U.S. Pat. No. 294,008 for a Packaging Container For A Watch.

Another package for a watch is disclosed in Herzog, U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,822 for a Package For Supporting And Displaying A Strap-Type Wristwatch. Herzog discloses a C-shaped support member which fits within a box and has slots retaining a wristwatch thereon.

Yet another unique package is described in Marciano, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,246 for a Case Comprising Two Shell Bodies And An Insert, which discloses an insert that is placed within a shell.

Yet another watch package is described in Sims, U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,960 for a Watch Display Package which discloses wedge shaped housing formed from a single paperboard blank.

Gonda et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,401 for a Clear Container With Magnifying Feature, discloses a transparent package with a convex portion for magnification purposes.

Hartman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,181 for a Wrist Watch Box discloses a package with an alternative disposition cover.

Bierly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,777 for a Display Carton For Simulated Article Inspection discloses a display carton for glasses or compact discs which allows for access to the merchandise through a cutout.

Although the prior art has disclosed many different types of packages, these packages cannot meet new and yet unknown needs of merchandisers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The packaging of heart rate monitoring watches has presented such a new and until now, unknown need for packaging. The new need is for packaging that that protects the heart rate monitoring watch during shipment from a manufacturer and display at a retailer, and allows for a consumer to try the heart rate monitoring watch without removing it from the packaging.

One aspect of the present invention is a clamshell package for a heart rate monitoring watch having a back sensor positioned on a back of the watch and front sensors positioned on a front of the watch. The clamshell package comprises a back insert and a front insert. The back insert comprises a body with a back panel and a side panel. The body has an indentation in the back panel and the side panel. The body has a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation. The projection has a first arm and a second arm for supporting the heart rate monitoring watch. The projection also has a central depression under a back sensor of the heart rate monitoring watch. The front insert comprises a body with a front panel and a side panel. The body has an indentation in the front panel and the side panel. The body has a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation. The projection has a face wall for covering the front of the watch and a side wall. The face wall has a first access port and a second access port positioned over front sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch to provide tactile access to the front sensors for providing a heart rate sensor reading with the heart rate monitoring watch enclosed within the package. The side wall has a third access port positioned along the central depression for allowing tactile access to the back sensor of heart rate monitoring watch. The front insert is attached over the back insert with a heart rate monitoring watch positioned therebetween with an interior surface of the front insert engaging an interior surface of the back insert.

The first access port is approximately 100 mm² in area, the second access port is approximately 100 mm² in area, and the third access port is 280 mm² in area.

The front insert and the back insert each has a length ranging from 150 mm to 250 mm, a top width ranging from ranging from 100 mm to 200 mm, a bottom width ranging from 80 mm to 160 mm, and a depth ranging from 30 mm to 100 mm.

The front insert and the back insert each has a thickness ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.

Another aspect of the present invention is a clamshell package for a heart rate monitoring watch having a back sensor positioned on a back of the watch and front sensors positioned on a front of the watch. The clamshell package comprises a back insert composed of a transparent plastic material and a front insert composed of a transparent plastic material. The back insert has a U-Shaped projection for placement of the heart rate monitoring watch thereon. The U-Shaped projection has a central depression. The front insert has a front projection for covering the heart rate monitoring watch. The front projection has a first access port and a second access port positioned over front sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch to provide tactile access to the front sensors for providing a heart rate sensor reading with the heart rate monitoring watch enclosed within the package. The projection has a third access port positioned along the central depression for allowing tactile access to the back sensor of heart rate monitoring watch. The front insert is attached over the back insert with a heart rate monitoring watch positioned therebetween with an interior surface of the front insert engaging an interior surface of the back insert.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a packaging structure comprising a clamshell package and an outer box. The clamshell package is for a heart rate monitoring watch having a back sensor positioned on a back of the watch and front sensors positioned on a front of the watch. The clamshell package comprises a back insert and a front insert. The back insert comprises a body with a back panel and a side panel. The body has an indentation in the back panel and the side panel. The body has a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation. The projection has a first arm and a second arm for supporting the heart rate monitoring watch. The projection also has a central depression under a back sensor of the heart rate monitoring watch. The front insert comprises a body with a front panel and a side panel. The body has an indentation in the front panel and the side panel. The body has a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation. The projection has a face wall for covering the front of the watch and a side wall. The face wall has a first access port and a second access port positioned over front sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch to provide tactile access to the front sensors for providing a heart rate sensor reading with the heart rate monitoring watch enclosed within the package. The first access port is approximately 100 mm² in area and the second access port is approximately 100 mm² in area. The side wall of the projection has a third access port positioned along the central depression for allowing tactile access to the back sensor of heart rate monitoring watch. The third access port is approximately 280 mm² in area. The front insert is attached over the back insert with a heart rate monitoring watch positioned therebetween with an interior surface of the front insert engaging an interior surface of the back insert. The back insert and the front insert are composed of a transparent plastic material.

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the package of the present invention with a heart rate monitoring watch therein.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the package of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the package of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 3 along line A-A.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a front insert of the package of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the front insert of FIG. 4 along line A-A.

FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective of the front insert of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4C is a side plan view of the front insert of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a back insert of the package of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the back insert of FIG. 5 along line A-A.

FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective of the back insert of FIG. 5.

FIG. 5C is a side plan view of the back insert of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 3A, a package is generally designated 20. The package 20 is preferably of the clamshell type package with a front insert 22 secured to a back insert 24 with an article 100 therein. In the present invention, the article 100 is a heart rate monitoring watch. Such a heart rate monitoring watch is described in Dickinson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,041 for an Electronic Apparatus And Method For Monitoring Net Calorie Intake, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the package will contain other heart rate monitoring watches without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Typically, such heart rate monitoring watches 100 have finger sensors on the front and/or back which when touched by the user can provide a heart rate value for the user. The heart rate monitoring watch 100 is secured within the package 20 for shipping from a manufacturer and display at a retail facility. The novel package 20 allows for protection of the heart rate monitoring watch 100 through use of a transparent and durable plastic material such as PET, APET, RPET, PP, PVC, polyimide, polyester or like materials. The transparency allows for the heart rate monitoring watch 100 to be viewed by a consumer. As discussed below, the novel package 20 also allows for a consumer to utilize the heart rate monitoring feature of the heart rate monitoring watch 100 while the heart rate monitoring watch 100 is in the novel package 20.

The package 20 preferably comprises a front insert 22 and a back insert 24. The front insert 22 is secured to the back insert 24 with the heart rate monitoring watch 100 therein. The front insert 22 generally matches the shape and size of the back insert 24 with the front insert 22 slightly larger than the back insert to allow for assembly of the package 20 with the heart rate monitoring watch 100 therein.

As shown specifically in FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B and 4C, the front insert 22 comprises a body 26 having a front panel 28 and a side panel 30. The side panel 30 is preferably perpendicular to the front panel 28. In a preferred embodiment, the body 26 also has a bottom panel 31. The body 26 has a front indentation 32 in the front panel 28 and the side panel 30. The front indentation 32 preferably has a heart-like shape as viewed from a junction edge 33 of the body 26 (best seen in FIG. 1). The body 26 preferably has a curving indentation wall 32 a. The body 26 also has a front projection 34 extending outward from the indentation wall 32 a. The front projection 34 preferably has a first access port 36, a second access port 38, and a third access port 39, which allow for tactile access to sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch 1 00. The front projection 34 preferably has a face facet 34 a, a side facet 34 b, a top facet 34 c, a bottom facet 34 d, a bottom side facet 34 e and a top side facet 34 f, all of which cover a heart rate monitoring watch 100. In a preferred embodiment, the first access port 36 and the second access port 38 are positioned on the face facet 34 a, and the third access port 39 is positioned on the side facet 34 b. The first access port 36 and the second access port 38 allow the user to place their fingers from one hand on the face of the heart rate monitoring watch 100 while the third access port 39 allows the user to place a finger from the opposite hand on the back of the heart rate monitoring watch 100. In this manner, the user (consumer) can determine the capabilities of the heart rate monitoring watch 100 without having to open and destroy the package 20.

Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the front insert 22 may have only one access port on the front and one access port on the back to access finger sensors on a heart rate monitoring watch, only two access ports on the side to access side finger sensors on a heart rate monitoring watch, and only one access port on the back to access finger sensors on a heart rate monitoring watch.

The package 20 is generally constructed and sized to protect the heart rate monitoring watch 100 without wasting packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, the front insert 22 preferably has a top width along the top edge 60, W_(TF), ranging from 100 millimeters (“mm”) to 200 mm, more preferably from 125 mm to 175 mm, even more preferably from 135 mm to 150 mm, and most preferably approximately 141 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the front insert 22 preferably has a bottom width along the bottom edge 62, W_(BF), ranging from 80 mm to 160 mm, more preferably from 100 mm to 130 mm, even more preferably from 110 mm to 120 mm, and most preferably approximately 116 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the front insert 22 preferably has a length, L_(F), along side edge 63, ranging from 150 mm to 250 mm, more preferably from 175 mm to 225 mm, even more preferably from 190 mm to 210 mm, and most preferably approximately 199 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the front insert 22 preferably has a depth, D_(F), ranging from 30 mm to 100 mm, more preferably from 40 mm to 80 mm, even more preferably from 55 mm to 75 mm, and most preferably approximately 64 mm.

The depth of the front indentation 32 is preferably approximately ⅔ of the depth of the front insert 22. The front projection 34 preferably does not extend beyond the front indentation 32. The front indentation 32 preferably extends more than half of the width of the front insert 22 at its greatest extent, and is preferably more than ⅔ of the length of the front insert 22.

As shown specifically in FIGS. 5, 5A, 5B and 5C, the back insert 24 comprises a body 40 having a back panel 42 and a side panel 44. The side panel 44 is preferably perpendicular to the back panel 42. In a preferred embodiment, the body 40 also has a bottom panel 45. The body 40 has a back indentation 46 in the back panel 42 and the side panel 44. The back indentation 46 preferably has a heart-like shape as viewed from a junction edge 43 of the body 40 (best seen in FIG. 1). The body 40 preferably has a curving indentation wall 46 a. The body 40 also has a back projection 48 extending outward from the indentation wall 46 a.

The back projection 48 is preferably U-Shaped having a first arm 48 a, a second arm 48 b and a central depression 48 c. The heart rate monitoring watch 100 is placed on the back projection 48 by resting it on the first arm 48 a and the second arm 48 b. This allows for access to the back of the heart rate monitoring watch 100 while the heart rate monitoring watch 100 is secured within the package 20. The central depression 48 a is accessible through the third access port 39 of the front insert 22. The back projection 48 is generally formed of a multiple facets including a face facet 49 a, a bottom facet 49 b, a first side facet 49 c and a side facet 49 d, not shown. The back indentation wall 46 a also has slots 80 and 82 for placement of the straps of the heart rate monitoring watch 100 therethrough for securing it within the package 20.

The back insert 24 is preferably slightly smaller than the front insert 22 to allow for sealing the heart rate monitoring watch 100 in the package 20. In a preferred embodiment, the back insert 24 preferably has a top width along the top edge 64, W_(TB), ranging from 100 millimeters (“mm”) to 200 mm, more preferably from 125 mm to 175 mm, even more preferably from 135 mm to 150 mm, and most preferably approximately 139 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the back insert 24 preferably has a bottom width along the bottom edge 66, W_(BB), ranging from 80 mm to 160 mm, more preferably from 100 mm to 130 mm, even more preferably from 110 mm to 120 mm, and most preferably approximately 115 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the back insert 24 preferably has a length, L_(B), along side edge 67, ranging from 150 mm to 250 mm, more preferably from 175 mm to 225 mm, even more preferably from 190 mm to 210 mm, and most preferably approximately 197 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the back insert 24 preferably has a depth, D_(B), ranging from 30 mm to 100 mm, more preferably from 40 mm to 80 mm, even more preferably from 55 mm to 75 mm, and most preferably approximately 63 mm.

The depth of the back indentation 46 is preferably approximately ⅔ of the depth of the back insert 24. The back projection 48 preferably extends approximately half the depth of the back indentation 46. The back indentation 46 preferably extends more than half of the width of the back insert 24 at its greatest extent, and is preferably more than ⅔ of the length of the back insert 24.

The back insert 24 preferably has a plurality of ridges 84 and 86 for engaging the interior surface of the front insert 22.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 6A and 6B, an outer box is generally designated 150. The outer box 150 is preferably composed of a paperboard material. The outer box 150 is preferably rectangular in shape and formed from a single blank. In an alternative embodiment, the clamshell package 20 is placed within the outer box 150. The outer box 150 typically contains graphic information about the product. The outer box 150 has a cut-out 155 for visually showcasing the pertinent features of the clamshell package 20 with the heart rate monitoring watch 100 therein. The cut-out 155 is preferably in a front panel 160 and side panel 165 of the outer box 150.

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes modification and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims. 

1. A clamshell package for a heart rate monitoring watch having a plurality of sensors for obtaining a heart rate of a user, the clamshell package comprising: a back insert comprising a body with a back panel and a side panel, the body having an indentation in the back panel and the side panel, the body having a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation, the projection having a first arm and a second arm for supporting the heart rate monitoring watch, the projection also having a central depression under a back sensor of the heart rate monitoring watch; a front insert comprising a body with a front panel and a side panel, the body having an indentation in the front panel and the side panel, the body having a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation, the projection having a face wall for covering the front of the watch and a side wall, the face wall and/or side wall having a plurality of access ports positioning over a plurality sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch to provide tactile access to the plurality of sensors for providing a heart rate sensor reading with the heart rate monitoring watch enclosed within the package; and wherein the front insert is attached over the back insert with a heart rate monitoring watch positioned therebetween with an interior surface of the front insert engaging an interior surface of the back insert.
 2. The clamshell package according to claim 1 wherein the front insert and the back insert are each composed of a transparent, rigid, plastic material.
 3. The clamshell package according to claim 1 wherein the indentation of the front insert and the indentation of the back insert are each heart shaped as viewed along a juncture edge.
 4. The clamshell package according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of access ports comprises a first access port on the face wall, a second access port on the face wall and a third access port on the side wall to access the central depression.
 5. The clamshell package according to claim 4 wherein the first access port is approximately 100 mm² in area, the second access port is approximately 100 mm² in area, and the third access port is 280 mm² in area.
 6. The clamshell package according to claim 1 wherein the front insert further comprises a triangular bottom panel and the back insert further comprises a triangular bottom.
 7. The clamshell package according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of access ports comprises a first access port on the face wall and a second access port on the side wall to access the central depression.
 8. The clamshell package according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of access ports comprises a first access port on the side wall and a second access port on the side.
 9. A clamshell package for a heart rate monitoring watch having a back sensor positioned on a back of the watch and front sensors positioned on a front of the watch, the clamshell package comprising: a back insert composed of a transparent plastic material, the back insert having a U-Shaped projection for placement of the heart rate monitoring watch thereon, the U-Shaped projection having a central depression; a front insert composed of a transparent plastic material and having a front projection for covering the heart rate monitoring watch, the front projection having a first access port and a second access port positioned over front sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch to provide tactile access to the front sensors for providing a heart rate sensor reading with the heart rate monitoring watch enclosed within the package, the projection having a third access port positioned along the central depression for allowing tactile access to the back sensor of heart rate monitoring watch; wherein the front insert is attached over the back insert with a heart rate monitoring watch positioned therebetween with an interior surface of the front insert engaging an interior surface of the back insert.
 10. The clamshell package according to claim 9 wherein the first access port is approximately 100 mm² in area, the second access port is approximately 100 mm² in area, and the third access port is 280 mm² in area.
 11. The clamshell package according to claim 9 wherein the front insert and the back insert each has a length ranging from 150 mm to 250 mm, a top width ranging from ranging from 100 mm to 200 mm, a bottom width ranging from 80 mm to 160 mm, and a depth ranging from 30 mm to 100 mm.
 12. The clamshell package according to claim 9 wherein the front projection extends from a front indentation in a front panel of the front insert and the U-Shaped projection extends from a back indentation in a back panel of the back insert.
 13. The clamshell package according to claim 9 wherein the front insert further comprises a front panel, a side panel and a bottom panel, and the back insert further comprises a back panel, a side panel and a bottom panel.
 14. The clamshell package according to claim 9 wherein the first access port has a reinforced edge to provide a smooth surface for the user to place a finger therethrough, the second access port has a reinforced edge to provide a smooth surface for the user to place a finger therethrough, and the third access port has a reinforced edge to provide a smooth surface for the user to place a finger therethrough.
 15. The clamshell package according to claim 9 wherein the front insert and the back insert each has a thickness ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.
 16. A clamshell package for a heart rate monitoring watch having a back sensor positioned on a back of the watch and front sensors positioned on a front of the watch, the clamshell package comprising: a back insert comprising a body with a back panel and a side panel, the body having an indentation in the back panel and the side panel, the body having a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation, the projection having a first arm and a second arm for supporting the heart rate monitoring watch, the projection also having a central depression under a back sensor of the heart rate monitoring watch; a front insert comprising a body with a front panel and a side panel, the body having an indentation in the front panel and the side panel, the body having a projection extending outward from a wall of the indentation, the projection having a face wall for covering the front of the watch and a side wall, the face wall having a first access port and a second access port positioned over front sensors of the heart rate monitoring watch to provide tactile access to the front sensors for providing a heart rate sensor reading with the heart rate monitoring watch enclosed within the package, the first access port approximately 100 mm² in area, the second access port approximately 100 mm² in area, the side wall of the projection having a third access port positioned along the central depression for allowing tactile access to the back sensor of heart rate monitoring watch, the third access port approximately 280 mm² in area; and wherein the front insert is attached over the back insert with a heart rate monitoring watch positioned therebetween with an interior surface of the front insert engaging an interior surface of the back insert, the back insert and the front insert each composed of a transparent plastic material.
 17. A packaging structure comprising a clamshell package according to claim 16 and an outer box for placement of the clamshell package therein, the outer box composed of a paperboard material, the outer box having front panel and a side panel with a cut-out therein for exposure of the indentation of the front insert of the clamshell package.
 18. The packaging structure according to claim 16 wherein the outer box is formed from a single blank. 